Nanobiomatters expands U.S. presence

Nanobiomatters North America LLC, a subsidiary of Nanobiomatters Industries S.L., Valencia, Spain, a leading supplier of engineered clay-based additives, has gained a major foothold in the U.S. market by naming three leading distributors to market and sell its industry-leading BactiBlock? silver-based antimicrobials. As a key focus of its growth strategy, Nanobiomatters has partnered with distributors D.B. Becker Co. Inc., Clinton, N.J.; Matteson-Ridolfi, Inc., based in Riverview, Mich.; and Trans Western Chemicals, based in Pico Rivera, Calif.

The multi-channel approach is expected to expand Nanobiomatters’ presence in the U.S. and accelerate sales in the coatings and textiles markets, said Miguel Ortiz, Nanobiomatters’ business development director for North America and Asia/Pacific. The new distribution network will expand its customer base and boost growth for BactiBlock antimicrobials, according to Mr. Ortiz.

The three firms will handle distribution in their respective geographic locations:  D.B. Becker Co. Inc. on the East coast; Matteson-Ridolfi, Inc. in the Midwest, and Trans Western Chemicals on the West coast. According to Mr. Ortiz, all of the distributors boast a comprehensive sales and technical staff that will play an important role in Nanobiomatters’ expansion.

Mr. Ortiz projects strong growth for silver-based antimicrobial solutions like BactiBlock in a range of applications such as powder coatings and water-based paints. The additives can also be used by plastic processors as an additive masterbatch in a variety of moulding and extrusion processes.

The BactiBlock additive range has been registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in the U.S.  It is a highly durable and cost-effective antimicrobial solution based on silver-functionalized clay and is designed to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, fungus, and other microorganisms on protected surfaces of polymer-based products.

BactiBlock antimicrobial additives are already produced on a commercial scale, having been used in Europe since 2010. Several major U.S. brand owners in key markets have finalized testing and commercial use in the U.S. is expected soon, according to Mr. Ortiz.

The proprietary and patent-pending BactiBlock technology features purified and modified phyllosilicate clays which are used as a performance-enhancing carrier of the silver antimicrobial agent. During the production process, silver is linked to the clay surface and a uniform dispersion of the clay is achieved. In addition, the silver deposited on the clay prevents platelet agglomeration which, combined with unique surface modification, ensures uniform total additive dispersion.